OK, so I’m looking at booking a couple of nights at the W Chicago. The SPG website quotes the best available rate at $299. The rate and room associated with this $299 price tag says “Wonderful, non-smoking rm…..”. Now, a little further down, I see a $329 rate with the description; “Spectacular, non-smoking rm,…”. The rest of the (abbreviated) descriptions of the rooms are the same.

Now, I’m assuming that apart from the marketing semantics… they may (should?) be some benefits from me taking the higher rate. OK, I’m assuming here, but I guess that upon check-in I should get perhaps a higher floor, or a slightly larger room (not all rooms are exactly the same size in many of these buildings, etc.), or a special view, or something? Now, those benefits & perks, while most welcome if provided, aren’t what I’m really looking for.

Therefore…. The question: As a Platinum, does it pay to not get the cheapest rate on the website in your quest for a Suite upgrade…? I’m sure there is no published rule or benefit about this, I’m just wondering if there’s any observed correlation with taking a slightly higher rate and upgrades amongst the Platinum members here.

Thanks for sharing your insight and experience.